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oregon wrote:Bushteacher, would you mind sharing your feelings on teaching in the bush? I want to and don't want to at the same time. I'm not sure I can deal with those little planes but I can do the water. I'm drawn to it, and keep looking at it.... but a little freaked out by some on the posts I've read so far.
oregon wrote:bushteacher,
Thank you for your candid reply. This is a HUGE move and I need all the honest info I can get. I haven't really asked a lot of questions about the kids because that is not what I'm concerned about. We have the same problem in the lower states with teachers going into really rough inner city schools thinking they are going to have a Hallmark movie experience and don't make it past December. I'm not looking for or expecting that. I do expect all my kids to work to their highest potential...period. I understand that some kids are in very difficult situations. One of my kids was taken out in handcuffs yesterday, and I will be here for him when he returns. I work to make meaningful connections and strive to be culturally competent. IF I come to Alaska it will be as an administrator though. I've decided after looking at the transfer year rates and the requirements for transferring my teaching credentials it's not worth it to come as a teacher. My admin comes right over, no muss, no fuss.
I watched a few videos of some really remote areas up north and I KNOW I can't do that.What is a Hub? That sounds more like it for me.
I am drawn to Alaska. I'm drawn to the wild remoteness of it all. I have no desire to live in Anchorage, I'm looking for something rural and different. I do want to be accepted for my lifestyle...not tolerated, I don't need to be celebrated, I don't fly a rainbow flag all over my house, but I won't hide or be ashamed either.... just accepted. As far as kids go...my expectations are the same for all of them. I've worked with many diverse cultures but have not live within those cultures and that is where my learning curve will be.
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